NFL Play-Off Picture: Crucial Matchups & Outcomes for the Final Week.
As we head into the last weekend of the regular NFL campaign, only a pair of play-off spots remain open. However, a great deal more is on the line, including the highly desired #1 rankings in both conferences and several divisional crowns.
The schedule makers have produced a dramatic ending, with the two remaining postseason places to be decided in a pair of head-to-head contests.
Current NFL Play-Off Standings
American Football Conference Rankings
- Denver Broncos (13-3)
- New England Patriots (13-3)
- Jacksonville (12-4)
- Pittsburgh (9-7) / Baltimore (8-8)
- Houston Texans (11-5)
- L.A. Chargers (11-5)
- Buffalo Bills (11-5)
The victor of the Pittsburgh-Baltimore game will claim the fourth seed and a home game in the first playoff round. At the same time, the Bills and the Chargers are set as wildcard entrants.
The Texans need a win coupled with a Jacksonville loss to jump from the fifth seed to the third seed. The Broncos will secure the top seed with a triumph, but a loss could open the door for New England or the Jaguars to snatch it.
NFC Standings
- Seattle Seahawks (13-3)
- Chicago Bears (11-5)
- Philadelphia Eagles (11-5)
- Carolina Panthers (8-8) / Tampa Bay Buccaneers (7-9)
- San Francisco 49ers (12-4)
- L.A. Rams (11-5)
- Green Bay (9-6)
The NFC South is up for grabs by the victor of the Panthers-Buccaneers matchup, granting them the fourth seed. However, the Panthers could still win the divisional title even with a defeat, contingent on other results.
The Packers are locked into the seventh seed. The marquee matchup, however, is the clash for the #1 seed in the NFC between the Seahawks and the 49ers, with a week off and home-field advantage on the line.
How the NFL Postseason Works
The #1 team in both the AFC and NFC receives a crucial bye week and home games throughout the play-offs.
During the Wild Card round, the other six playoff teams compete: the #2 team hosts the #7 team, third hosts sixth, and fourth hosts fifth.
In the Divisional Round, the top seeds enter the fray, hosting the lowest remaining seed. The conference championship games are then hosted by the highest seed, underscoring the immense importance of earning that top spot.
AFC North Decider: A Brutal Finale
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
This fierce grudge match comes to a head in the last contest of the regular season. The divisional title and a postseason spot on the line, this is a genuine elimination situation.
Pittsburgh have been up and down all year, while the Ravens started poorly but remain in contention. Player availability may prove critical: Pittsburgh may miss star receiver their top wideout, while the Ravens' quarterback their MVP QB is questionable with a health issue.
Running back Derrick Henry could be the x-factor for the Ravens in what is set up as a physical, defensive struggle.
Battle for #1 in the NFC
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
More than just the NFC West is at stake when the Seahawks travels to San Francisco. The winner claims the NFC's top seed and the path to the championship game that it provides.
This game pits an explosive 49ers offense against a stingy Seahawks defense. Since quarterback their young passer returned, the 49ers have been the league's highest scorers. On the other hand, the Seahawks' defense is rated among the best in the NFL.
The Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold needs to cut down on costly turnovers that have plagued him this year. The team that comes out on top earns a massive edge for the postseason journey.
NFC South: A Race to Stumble Over the Line
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers (21:30 Saturday)
Neither team enters this contest with much momentum. The Buccaneers have lost seven of eight, while the Panthers have squandered chances to clinch the title.
The Panthers it's simple: win and they're in. The Buccaneers, the situation is more complex. Even with a win, they need another result from the Atlanta-New Orleans matchup to steal the divisional championship.
AFC's Top Seed Up for Grabs
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00, Sunday)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25, Sunday)
Denver Broncos vs. Los Angeles Chargers (21:25, Sunday)
The Denver Broncos hold the cards for the #1 AFC spot. A victory over a Chargers team expected to sit key players seals it.
If the Broncos lose, the opportunity arises for the Patriots. A Patriots win combined with a Denver defeat would hand the #1 ranking to Bill Belichick's team.
The Jacksonville Jaguars are the dark horse. They need a triumph and losses by the Broncos and Patriots to pull off an unlikely ascent to #1. More pressingly, a Jacksonville defeat could allow them to be overtaken by the Houston Texans in the division standings.
Full Slate of Final Week Games
Saturday, 3 January
Carolina Panthers @ Tampa Bay Buccaneers (21:30)
Seattle Seahawks @ San Francisco 49ers (01:00, Sunday)
Sunday, 4 January
New Orleans Saints @ Atlanta Falcons (18:00)
Cleveland Browns @ Cincinnati Bengals (18:00)
Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings (18:00)
Dallas Cowboys @ New York Giants (18:00)
Tennessee Titans @ Jacksonville Jaguars (18:00)
Indianapolis Colts @ Houston Texans (18:00)
New York Jets @ Buffalo Bills (21:25)
Miami Dolphins @ New England Patriots (21:25)
Detroit Lions @ Chicago Bears (21:25)
Los Angeles Chargers @ Denver Broncos (21:25)
Kansas City Chiefs @ Las Vegas Raiders (21:25)
Arizona Cardinals @ Los Angeles Rams (21:25)
Washington Commanders @ Philadelphia Eagles (21:25)
Baltimore Ravens @ Pittsburgh Steelers (01:20, Monday)
